Rob Roy Blu-Ray Review

A few weeks back I wrote about Rob Roy as a film that just needed a few remedial fixes to take it to another level. I lamented that there wasn’t a Blu-Ray version then. A few days later the film was released on the format (what timing!) , so I picked it up decided to write a review.

Firstly, the film corrected a few things I prescribed: the romance novel box art was replaced with a more action-y cover. Looks good. Secondly, that opening text screen is now completely legible! This is due to the HD transfer, and possibly an increase in size too.

The film itself? What a revelation. I’ve seen this film dozens of times, and watching it in Blu-Ray was like watching it for the first time ever. Obviously I’ll be gushing a bit, as this film is a personal favorite, but it’s the first film that really wowed me in making the leap to HD.

Yes the photography and scenery looked gorgeous, but what really shined here was the increased detail afforded to all of the actor’s performances. Their overall facial expression was just a sight to behold. I was seeing nuanced behavior and expression that didn’t register in the standard-def DVD release.

When you can see that kind level of detail in the eyes, it just escalates the whole film. Obviously the eyes are a major focal point for us humans, so to really see them and all they are expressing really grabbed my attention. This is a character-driven action film, and now the acting truly shines in HD.

This graininess I was so accustomed to is gone (see the screen capture above). I just chalked it up to being an older film (if you call 1995 old), plus the graininess also seemed at home in this period film - made it genuine in a way. But now it’s sharp and clean, as though they filmed with digital cameras last year.

Also gone is the desaturated color level, which originally aided the film in it’s dark and dreary tone. Now it’s rich in color, and it looks so much more alive for it. You’ll appreciate this when you see faces flush red with anger. The rolling green hills of Scotland also look postcard-worthy here.

It’s not 100% perfect, as there is some slight camera tremble for the still shots (even the opening credits trembled). The light level will fluctuate/flicker briefly especially in bright outdoor shots but those are very minor issues.

The sound production won’t test your stereo system like a big budget popcorn movie, but the understated music score will be thunderous when the occasion calls for it.

If you have never seen Rob Roy, and are a big fan of that other 1995 sword and kilt film, then check it out on Blu-Ray. I highly recommend it.

9.5/10